Unexpected Dresses That Are Perfect for Your Beach Wedding

Stargaze

Aphrodite stepped out of the sea foam. Slip into any of these wedding dresses and you'll look like you did, too, as they sparkle, flow, and stun like the ocean itself. After all, on your wedding day, why shouldn't you feel like the goddess of love? From dresses with embellished lace and shiny gem details, to light tulle skirts and starfish-inspired sequined tops, these looks put an even more romantic twist on traditional.

Glitter like moonlight on the waves in Hayley Paige's "Lumi" ivory ball gown, above, complete with dreamcatcher sleeves, a V-neck bodice, and a tulle skirt scattered with sequin stars. It's just the thing for a love story written in the stars.

Go Undercover

Odylyne the Ceremony's "Morgan" cape paired with Judy&Madeleine's "The Glaceon" crown in crystal quartz gives a bride a regal air and is as fitting for a ceremony on a rooftop as for one on a rocky shore. At the reception, pass the coat to a handmaiden (or a bridesmaid) to reveal the slinky "Angeline" gown worn under it.

Splash Out

Love, we know, is the most precious treasure. But shiny gems sure help you make an entrance. On the left, exhibit A: the "Alexandra" lace gown from Alon Livné White, embroidered with shimmering beads. And, on the right, exhibit B: Vera Wang's ivory-beaded "Adrianna" gown, paired with Mordekai by Ken Borochov's pearl-studded birdcage veil.

Go Long

Go with the flow in Ines di Santo's Chantilly-lace "Lisette" sheath, which has an elegantly elongated sleeve that will trail you down the aisle. The aqua flowers it's embellished with are a built-in something blue.

Take It Easy

Structured mermaid and ball gowns aren't the only way to dress like a bride. Just look to the left at Persy's "Alice" gown: Its sheer, starfish-sequined top and soft tulle skirt say "beachside ballerina." On the right: Equally romantic is Allure Couture's "C145" lace-and-charmeuse-satin gown, which skims the body and then drifts into a flowing train. Finish with Gigi Burris Millinery's "Firefly" veiling, worn as an ethereal headband.

Find Your Glow

Whether you wed at sunrise or by the flicker of candles, you'll be lit with inner radiance. Play up that flush with face-highlighting details like the sheer-lace cap sleeves of Catherine Deane's silk tulle gown. And yes, angel, it's fine to supply your own halo; we fashioned this one from fern fronds and leaves.

Gild the Lily

When it comes to the best things in life, too much is never enough. Slay guests with a single (back) stroke of genius: the elaborate hand beading on the "Obsessed" gown from Rivini by Rita Vinieris. Or top off Jenny Packham's sequin-studded "Dottie" wrap tulle gown, left, as a mermaid queen might, with Magnetic Midnight's gold-dipped woven palm-leaf "Flores" crown.

Sail Away

Set off into the sunset in Watters's "Copeland" beaded espalier-lace gown, made even more drop-dead dramatic by the tulle "Raphaela" overskirt with satin ribbon. It slips off for the reception, should you prefer to shimmy away.

Details

Art direction by Michael McCormick. Styling by Jessica King. Additional styling (jewelry) by Colleen Banks. Produced by Dawn Sinowski. Hair by Erin Lee Smith at Atelier Management using Oribe. Makeup by Erin Lee Smith at Atelier Management using Chanel Les Beiges. Photographed on location at the Rockhouse Hotel and Long Bay Beach Park (managed and operated by the Urban Development Corporation) in Negril, Jamaica. Special thanks to the Jamaican Board of Tourism.